"pure, unsullied"
Origin: Greek (katharos)
Language: Greek
Katalina
Girl Name
#439 Most Popular
Rising
4 Syllables
Pure beauty in Spanish golden tones
Spanish
Latin American
Portuguese
Elegant
Exotic
Classic
Bold
Meaning & Origin
"of Catherine, the pure one"
Origin: Latin via Greek
Language: Spanish
Things to Know About This Name
- Some associate 'Catalina' with the Catalina Island brand/wine, though not problematic
The Story of Katalina
Katalina is a Spanish variant of Catalina, itself the Spanish form of Katherine, derived from the Greek Aikaterine. The Greek root is debated but most likely connects to katharos meaning 'pure.' The K spelling of Katalina reflects Spanish-American and Latinx naming conventions where K is sometimes preferred for its visual distinctiveness. The name has been used in Spanish-speaking cultures since the early Christian era through Saint Catherine of Alexandria.
Katalina has been rising as parents seek alternatives to common names like Katherine or even Catalina. The K spelling gives it a slightly more modern, distinctive look while retaining the melodic Spanish pronunciation. It's particularly popular in Latin American communities and among US Hispanic families.
In Spanish-speaking cultures, Catalina/Katalina honors Saint Catherine of Alexandria, one of the most venerated female saints. The name also resonates through history with Catherine of Aragon (first wife of Henry VIII), who was known as Catalina in her native Spain.
Fun Facts
- Santa Catalina Island off California was named after Saint Catherine of Alexandria by Spanish explorer Sebastián Vizcaíno in 1602
- The K variant spelling has been rising in the US since the 2000s as Latinx naming conventions influence mainstream American choices
Katalina in Other Languages
Greek
Αικατερίνη
French
Catherine
German
Katharina
Italian
Caterina
Russian
Екатерина
Spanish
Catalina
Famous People Named Katalina
C
Catalina Sandino Moreno
Actor
1981
Colombian actress who received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for 'Maria Full of Grace'
C
Catherine of Aragon
Royalty
1485
First wife of King Henry VIII of England, known in Spain as Catalina de Aragón, celebrated for her intelligence and stre...
First wife of King Henry VIII of England, known in Spain as Catalina de Aragón, celebrated for her intelligence and strength
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #439
- Total SSA Count
- 706
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Latin American Portuguese
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Kat
Kata
Lina
Katy
Pairs Well With
Katalina Rose
Katalina Marie
Katalina Isabel
Katalina Grace
Katalina Elena
Katalina Sofia
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Katalina
What does the name Katalina mean?
"pure, unsullied" (from Greek (katharos)). "of Catherine, the pure one" (from Latin via Greek). Katalina is a Spanish variant of Catalina, itself the Spanish form of Katherine, derived from the Greek Aikaterine. The Greek root is debated but most likely connects to katharos meaning 'pure.' The K spelling of Katalina reflects Spanish-American and Latinx naming conventions where K is sometimes preferred for its visual distinctiveness. The name has been used in Spanish-speaking cultures since the early Christian era through Saint Catherine of Alexandria.
What is the origin of the name Katalina?
Katalina has Greek (katharos), Latin via Greek, Spanish, Latin American, and Portuguese origins. In Greek (katharos), it means "pure, unsullied". In Latin via Greek, it means "of Catherine, the pure one".
Is Katalina a boy or girl name?
Katalina is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Katalina?
Katalina is currently ranked #439 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Katalina?
Common nicknames for Katalina include Kat, Kata, Lina, and Katy.
What are good middle names for Katalina?
Popular middle name pairings include Katalina Rose, Katalina Marie, Katalina Isabel, Katalina Grace, Katalina Elena, and Katalina Sofia.
What are good sibling names for Katalina?
Names that pair well with Katalina as siblings include Isabella, Valentina, Sebastian, Mateo, Lucia, and Miguel.
How many syllables does Katalina have?
Katalina has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Katalina a common or rare name?
Katalina is a popular name, ranked #439 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Katalina
Katalina is a girl name with Spanish, Latin American, and Portuguese origins . The name means "pure, unsullied" in Greek (katharos) .
Katalina is currently ranked #439 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Katalina has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Katalina include Kat, Kata, Lina, and Katy. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Katalina include Kataleya, Katarina, Katana, Katara, Katalyna . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.